The 2024 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) got off to an exciting start on Saturday night at the Stade Olympique in Rabat, where hosts Morocco had to settle for a 2-2 draw against Zambia.
Zambia opened the scoring with a goal within the first minute, shocking the home crowd.
After Margaret Belemu launched a swift counterattack, Zambia’s top player, Barbra Banda, took advantage of a gap just outside the box and fired a strong low shot into the bottom left corner.
The Zambians, who appeared brash and aggressive right away, had a fantastic start.
Morocco swiftly recovered and started to advance in an attempt to tie the score. Grace Chanda took down Najat Badri in the penalty area in the 12th minute, rewarding their pressure.
Ibtissam Jraïdi scored a calm goal into the top left corner to tie the score after the referee signaled the spot after a quick VAR review.
However, Zambia persisted in causing problems during the break. Banda changed the play in the 27th minute, cutting through the Moroccan defense with a well-timed through pass that found Racheal Kundananji.
Zambia’s lead was restored as the striker made no mistakes and finished coolly beyond goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi.
Zambia won 2-1 in the first half, with the visitors playing the more clinical side. A string of close calls and careless finishing, especially from Fatima Tagnaout and Ghizlane Chebbak, left Morocco unhappy.
Morocco eventually took control of the ball in the second half, and as the game went on, their efforts became more intense.
They had multiple near misses, including one from Sanaâ Mssoudy that Zambian goalkeeper Ng’ambo Musole saved at full stretch.
As the clock was ticking, Morocco made the breakthrough. Chebbak’s incredible goal into the top corner in the 87th minute, after he had picked up the ball outside the box, tied the score at 2-2 and caused loud celebrations in the spectators.
The game finished in a stalemate, which was a fair outcome considering the balance of play, despite a late rush by both teams that failed to find a winner in the closing minutes.
The outcome ends an eight-edition streak and is the first time since 2004 that a WAFCON host has drawn in their opening game.
With everything still up for grabs, Morocco and Zambia now turn their attention to their remaining Group A games.
The match was the first-ever WAFCON matchup between Morocco and Zambia, and it got the tournament started to a historic start.
Your Complete Guide To The 2024 Women’s Africa Cup Of Nations (WAFCON)
Pre-tournament build-up praised the quality and competitive intensity expected, especially given Zambia’s surge (led by Barbara Banda and Racheal Kundananji) and Morocco’s big-name coach, Jorge Vilda.
With one point each, both teams maintain their position atop Group A.
A shared draw gives Morocco some breathing room at home but highlights defensive gaps—Zambia showed they can strike fast and effectively.
Zambia’s early lead and composed performance, confirms their rising stature.
Morocco’s late equalizer demonstrates resilience and leadership, especially through captain Chebbak.
